UNEXPECTED RESULTS

Dear reader, if this entry or my other blog entries don't answer your specific photography questions, you can call me on the phone anytime for advice by clicking here.

I feel very grateful that I thoroughly enjoy photographing almost all of the commercial assignments that I receive. This is no doubt due to the trust that my clients have in my abilities, which allows me to experiment and find new ways of presenting normal subjects.

I am asked to photograph wine and food fairly regularly, and I always enjoy the task because it forces me to out-do my last job. This delicious 2004 Argentinian Alfa Crux Malbec had me stumped, as nothing was working out. The lighting was uninspired, and I couldn't seem to go beyond the look of a normal documentary style product shot.

I unintentionally placed one of my umbrellas behind the bottle, rearranging the studio to try for a different light setup. I did a test shot just to make sure my wireless units were working, and to my surprise found out that the umbrella itself worked as a decent (and unexpected) background! I fine-tuned the shot adding an additional frontal fill light, and gave the image to the client, who was very happy with the results.

I will be honest and admit that a good percentage of my best images are serendipitous. I am thankful for this, as I am well aware of my own limited capacities, and enjoy when the "Invisible Hand" takes over for me. I would encourage young photographers who are struggling with finding your creativity to purchase and read the book entitled The Artists Way. It may be a catalyst to take you from cerebral problem solving to right brain (and possibly spiritual) aptitude.

Email this Blog to a friend!

Mark's photographic prints for your wall can be purchased at www.markhemmings.com

Mark can be hired as a photographer or filmmaker via www.hemmingshouse.com